There are gentler ways to start a new job than walking into one of the world's biggest trade shows on day one. Simon Harrison chose the trade show.

Simon joined Ultimate Products this month as Chief Executive Officer designate, and will formally take up the role of CEO in October, succeeding Andrew Gossage. His first engagement with the Group was IFA Berlin 2026, which ran from 4 to 8 September at Messe Berlin. Rather than easing in from behind a desk in Oldham, he headed straight for the stand, meeting the team and getting hands on with our range of branded houseware products.

A useful place to begin

Simon brings more than 25 years in FMCG, spanning sales, operations, brand and trade marketing. He joins us from Princes Group, where he was Chief Executive Officer, and before that spent close to two decades at Coca-Cola European Partners in senior commercial and marketing roles.

Berlin was a fitting first stop. Much of what makes this business work is visible on a trade show floor: the product, the brands, the customer relationships built over years, and the people who look after all three. Five days of conversations with retailers and colleagues is a fast way to understand a company.

A warm welcome to Simon, and thanks to everyone who made IFA 2026 another strong show for the Group.